Asus Eee PC 1000HE gets faster Atom chip

Asus has announced the latest addition to its netbook range, the Eee PC 1000HE. This $399 system is billed as the first netbook in the industry to feature the Intel N280 Atom CPU, which runs slightly faster than its predecessor but also gets both a faster 667MHz system bus and is paired with faster integrated graphics via the HD-capable Intel GD40 chipset.

That alone should set the 1000HE apart from competition but the company is touting other improvements as well. The external design itself is new and centers on a revamped Chiclet-style keyboard (think MacBook) that is 92 percent of standard size and thus provides a comfortable typing experience. Additionally the company claims their improved battery combined with their own Super Hybrid Engine technology will provide up to 9.5 hours of runtime on a single charge.

Other specs include a 10-inch LED backlit display, 160GB hard disk drive along with 10GB of online storage, integrated webcam, 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. Early orders also get a $25 discount.